Uzbekistan set for tough test in Pakistan

Both sides will be heading into the competition looking to earn valuable international experience with matches taking place on 28 April and 1 May.

Uzbekistan lock Bahodir Orzikulov spoke to Asia Rugby ahead of their trip to Lahore with an understanding of the task at hand.

“I think that it will be a good tournament versus a very strong team, we all know that playing with Pakistan in their own field is a tough challenge,” said Orzikulov.

“But I believe that our national team is able to win the tournament and go up to the second division. We worked hard for this tournament and our team is ready to win.”

With an promotion to the second tier of rugby in Asia next year the target, Orzikulov is also aware of the importance of competition like this for the development of the sport in his own country.

“The Asia Rugby Championship is a very important tournament for our team as it’s a good opportunity to show our level,” added Orzikulov.

“If we win the championship, more attention will be paid to rugby in our country. In Uzbekistan, sports are paid a lot of attention, including rugby.”

With a strong domestic championship forming the selection of the national team and an increasing interest in the sport, Uzbekistan demonstrates another country where rugby is growing rapidly,” explained Orzikulov.

“The Get into rugby program has a very important place in the development of rugby in our country.

“Year by year the quantity of teams which want to play in the Uzbekistan National Championship is growing and the national TV shows the games of the championship.

“I think that it’s very important for the development of rugby in Uzbekistan and we are pleased to be a part of it now.”